At the same time, Bra La Mode is pleased to introduce guests to the latest luxury lingerie line, Rouge Séduire. The sophisticated and maverick new line is making its debut at Bra La Mode’s Trunk Show. Founded by designer Sharon Fan, Rouge Séduire is set to make its mark in the independent luxury lingerie scene.

Merchandise from all three brands will be available for purchase at up to 50% off the original retail prices. Guests can expect light refreshments and gifts with purchase while indulging in spa treatments at the friendly, local spa.

Bra La Mode’s guests will be treated to exclusive spa specials including a Traditional Mani/Pedi for only $22 (reg. $34) and a 1/2 Hour Table Massage for only $30 (reg. $40.) Guests are encouraged to call 917-675-7606 to book appointments on December 8th. In addition, guests can purchase Spa Packages to wrap up their holiday gift list.

Special Spa Packages exclusively for Bra La Mode include:

Traditional Mani/Pedi – 5 Sessions – $100*

Shellac Mani – 4 sessions – $110*

Inspired by the vintage under-things worn by the starlets of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Dirty Dolls Lingerie is bringing glamour back into the everyday. This line of beautiful underpinnings caters to women who wear hard-to-find sizes. The bra range starts at a 28C and goes up to a G cup. The full collection includes body shapers, panties, tap pants, and garter belts—all which look and feel fabulously sexy under any outfit.

Love & Dream believes that the key to great sleepwear is that it shouldn’t be overdesigned. It should look amazing, but it still needs to feel effortless. At Love & Dream, sleepwear is not just a product but part of an experience….the experience of comfort and rest. A ritual that is unique to each woman; the time she most deserves.

With its niche and unique design aesthetic, luxury lingerie brand Rouge Séduire effortlessly evokes alluring, intoxicating and seductive images of women. Founded by designer Sharon Fan, the line is set to make its mark on the luxury market.

Can you believe it’s almost Thanksgiving? I have so much to be grateful for this year… I don’t even know where to begin. Without getting too sentimental, I would just like to say that it has been overwhelming, humbling and inspiring to watch my businesses grow. And I have you all to thank for this! Without you, my family, friends, fans, followers and supporters, I would not have been able to plow forward through the tough times (when I was literally working 18+ hours a day.) I’ve learned to simply put one foot in front of the other… Planting lots of little seeds along the way. The rewards have been priceless. I am very blessed. What do you have to be thankful for this year?

Here are a few Intimate Insights and Upcoming Intimate Affairs:

Last Wednesday, November 14th, luxury brand Fleur du Mal celebrated its launch by hosting an Intimate Affair at a trendy downtown NYC loft. The event featured Parisian DJ Inez Melia and renowned Mixologist Xavier Herit. Fleur du Mal is a signature collection of ready-to-wear and lingerie by Jennifer Zuccarini. With years of experience, including time as co-founder of Kiki de Montparnasse and design director at Victoria’s Secret, Jennifer is a natural at creating sensual, seductive pieces that both men and women are drawn to. Fleur du Mal provides a confidence boosting aspect to any woman’s wardrobe through specialty pieces such as a leather corset created in collaboration with famed Parisian corset maker Cadolle, a sheer tuxedo blazer, and French rose lace intimates. The line is sold exclusively through a uniquely interactive e-commerce website, FleurDuMal.com, and creates a sophisticated, fashionable and innovative way for women to shop online. The site features highly editorial, shoppable content, where consumers can not only browse and buy the luxurious Fleur du Mal collection, they can also discover and purchase complementary lifestyle items that Jennifer adores. Additionally, the website utilizes endless scrolling functionality and includes social media integration, making it seamless for customers to share intimate sneak peeks of their most desired wants and needs. I was most impressed by the leather intimate apparel pieces and the clipped French Leavers lace used in constructing the bra and panty sets is exquisite. Tres jolie!

The Intimate Affair, GO NAKED AND CHECK YOURSELF, was held on November 18th at Teak Restaurant, Red Bank, New Jersey. The annual event is a fundraising affair dedicated to bringing awareness / prevention to detectible cancers where you can go naked and check yourself – skin, breast and testicular cancers. The event was presented by Sugarush (a specialty bakery in Red Bank, NJ) and the award-winning lingerie boutique, Sweetest Sin.

Photo Credit: Brandi Grooms Photography

The mission of Go Naked and Check Yourself is to take the stigma of embarrassment out of checking yourself, because early detection can prevent long term issues. All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit The American Cancer Society, Livestrong, Young Survival Coalition and Move for Hunger. This year’s event raised over $10,000 for these non-profit organizations. The event was sponsored in part by The Lingerie Alliance and leading designer brand for intimate lifestyle products, LELO.

On Saturday, December 8th, Bra La Mode presents a Festive Affair Holiday Trunk Show featuring Dirty Dolls Lingerie, Love & Dream Sleepwear and Loungewear and introducing luxury lingerie line Rouge Séduire. The Intimate Affair will be held at Spa 34 on 34th Street in NYC from 10am-3pm and will feature Spa Specials including a Mani/Pedi for only $22 (reg. $34.) and a ½ Hour Full Body Massage for only $30 (reg. $40.) Come in from the cold and shop for Holiday Gifts up to 50% off and indulge yourself with a Spa treatment!

On December 18, 2012, The Lingerie Alliance presents A Festive Affair Holiday Networking Social at Legends Loft Lounge, 6 West 33rd Street between 5th Ave & 6th Ave from 6:30-8:30pm. Two hours open bar, giveaways & gift bags, an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest and more. $35/ per person. RSVP now at www.festiveaffair1.eventbrite.com

Mark your calendars for these additional upcoming Intimate Affairs:

December 4, 2012 – The Underfashion Club’s Holiday Party at The National Arts Club on Gramercy Park South.

There’s a chill in the air…And I couldn’t be happier! Before we know it, I’ll be donning my “uniform” of boots, button-downs and blazers. Until then, I’m trying to enjoy the last bit of Summer. I’m down the shore for a few days…attempting to get some much needed rest and relaxation in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, N.J. I much prefer the beach during the “off season.” The weather is still spectacular, yet it’s quiet and peaceful here. I’ve taken walks on the beach, I’ve watched the sunrise at 6:30am, I’ve admired the adorable Victorian-style historic homes that line the streets in this neighborhood, I’ve had some of the best sea scallops I’ve ever tasted, I’ve wandered in and out of the boutiques around town….all by myself. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to cherish my time alone. It’s been a delightful mini vacation!

While down here, I stopped in to see my friend Marla Wink at Indian Summer at Bay Village in Beach Haven. I presented her with a challenge. I was in the market for a new bra…. But I wanted something different. I am such a creature of habit. Nine times out of ten, I walk out of a bra boutique with the same styles I always wear. So, I asked Marla to show me something new. I walked into the store with an open mind and I let her run the show. I told her what I typically wear and what I like and don’t like about the styles currently available to the full-busted consumer. Over the years, I’ve become very loyal to the Eveden family of brands- Fantasie, Freya and Fauve. So, when she suggested I try a Panache bra, I was a little hesitant. But I promised myself to keep an open mind and I’m sure glad I did. We scored! I am in love with my new Panache Andorra Full Cup Bra. We went up a cup to achieve the proper fit. The lace is very soft yet powerful and I love the underbust/cradle construction. The best part? The color is a beautiful, rich teal color called Lagoon. It’s perfect for Fall. Great job, Marla! You passed the test. I hope the bra itself passes the test of time. In addition, Marla had the Fantasie Rebecca bra in stock in color black. This color is back-ordered in most of the stores in the tri-state area so I had to snag it while I could. Lucky me! I walked out of Indian Summer with two new bras to carry me through the end of the year.

Fashion’s Night Out was held on Thursday, September 6th. I spent the evening with Bethenny Frankel at Macy’s Herald Square. The Intimate Affair featured the Skinnygirl Smoothers n’ Shapers “Real Woman” Fashion Show. It was great to see Bethenny’s fans on the runway modeling her shapewear line which is designed for every body. They were so full of confidence! The winners of Bethenny’s fashion show contest modeled the shapewear alone as well as styled into various looks which showed the guests how to wear this fashionable line that is meant to be seen. It was an exciting event which was hosted and emcee’d by Bethenny herself.

My partner, Luis Paredes, and I attended Small Boutique Fashion Week on Saturday, September 8, 2012. The SBFW2012 Fashion Show and Market is geared towards small business owners, emerging designers, and novelty designers that are looking to get their start by selling to small boutiques and unique shops. We were pleased to see lingerie-inspired looks on the runway. Several designers presented styles which were constructed of ultra fine and sheer fabrics which revealed the undergarments worn underneath. In essence, the lingerie worn underneath became part of the total look.

The International Lingerie Show (ILS) was held September 10th through the 12th at the RIO in Las Vegas. The ILS trade show leans towards the sexy/adult side of our industry. Luis Paredes of The Lingerie Journal attended the trade show and has posted numerous articles and images of the show on www.TheLingerieJournal.com and on The Lingerie Journal Facebook page.

To celebrate the end of Fashion Week, The Lingerie Alliance hosted the official Nolcha Fashion Week Closing Party in collaboration with Label 55 on Thursday, September 13, 2012. Nolcha Fashion Week is an award-winning event for independent fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience of press, retailers, stylists and industry influencers. My partner, Luis Paredes, and I were very pleased to be partnered with Label 55 and Nolcha Fashion Week as they share our passion for supporting independent brands.

On Thursday, September 27th, Linda’s in Murray Hill is hosting a Simone Perele Trunk Show from 10am until 9pm. Guests will have the opportunity to view the entire Fall 2012 collection and preview the Spring 2013 collection in store. Linda is offering 10% off all Simone Perele purchases on the 27th (including pre-orders of the Spring 13 styles) plus each guest will receive a Free Gift with purchase. After 6pm, Linda’s will be turned into a “Parisian Paradise” replete with Parisian treats and cocktails. Oooo La La!

Also on September 27th, Sweetest Sin in Red Bank, New Jersey will be celebrating her third anniversary! The party starts in the boutique at 5pm and includes free professional bra fittings, exclusive specials, 10% off all purchases, pink bubbly and light snacks. Then… as if that wasn’t enough…. Guests are invited to join Angie Courtney, owner of Sweetest Sin, for an “after party” at Taste Lounge in the Red Bank Galleria. If you bring your receipt from Sweetest Sin Boutique, you are treated to a free cocktail. The Intimate Affair will feature live music, a Trunk Show showcasing the high-end lingerie and beauty brand Naked Princess, Gift Bags (including items from our favorite luxury brand, Naked Princess,) Raffle Prizes including an exclusive Gift Basket filled with steamy goodies and a Gift Card valued at $200 from Sweetest Sin! As I’ve mentioned before, Angie Courtney is a true partner in her community and gives back in every way she can. At this Intimate Affair, all proceeds from the Raffles and 20% of the proceeds from Taste Lounge will be donated to The Semper Fi Fund. Also, Angie is gearing up for the ING New York City Marathon where she will be running on behalf of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. And, Angie is already making plans for the annual “Go Naked and Check Yourself” fundraiser in mid November which raises awareness of detectable cancers including breast cancer, skin cancer and testicular cancer. More details to follow!

Got Insight? Having an Intimate Affair? Let us know! Everyone can be an Intimate Insider!

We all love lacy bras and panties, but sometimes we all yearn for a the perfect robe or pair of pajamas. Luckily, for those lazy weekend mornings, there’s Love and Dream. The brand was born in Manhattan and was created by Darcy Frye. Darcy believes that sleepwear and loungewear should be fashionable, comfortable and effortless…. all while making you feel secure. The collections feature clean lines, easy fit and a soft hand feel for a classic simplicity that can be enjoyed season after season.

Love and Dream is designed with special attention to comfort and security. Every piece in the line is designed to stay in place rather than slip and slide, making you feel secure enough to relax. The lace details are designed so they never touch your skin which adds an extra layer of comfort. Each style is made from luxuriously soft jersey knit fabric, and almost no stitching is exposed to add longevity and comfort to each piece.

The Marin Collection contains nightshirts, classic pajama sets, robes, chemises, as well as tank tops and shorts. The pieces are offered in either grey or purple, and all are lovingly sewn in Manhattan from fabrics made in the U.S.A.

These silhouettes are ideal for any woman who wants to stay fashionable while lounging, without sacrificing comfort. These pieces make great gifts for Mother’s Day, so together with Darcy, I’m offering a special discount of 25% off the line now through May 12th!

“At Love and Dream, sleepwear is not just a product, but part of an experience. The experience of comfort and rest. That cherished moment between saying goodnight and falling asleep, your time to yourself. That time where you may be lounging on the sofa watching TV or sipping tea in the kitchen while reading your latest book, wrapped in your favorite robe.A ritual that is unique to each woman, the time you most deserve.”

I am pleased to present “A Celebration of Women” in honour of Mother’s Day, an in-store bra fit and shopping event from Noon to 4:00pm on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at the upscale, intimate apparel boutique, Bra Smyth, 2177 Broadway (at 77th Street,) NYC. Bra Smyth’s dedicated, professional bra fitters offer over 100 years of combined experience and each boutique has seamstresses on staff to make custom alterations which provides legendary personal service to their loyal clients. The event, “A Celebration of Women,” will provide women of all ages, shapes, and sizes the opportunity to receive a free bra fitting in an exclusive environment as well as education on the importance of a proper fit courtesy of Bra Smyth. Additionally, Bra Smyth is offering a 10% discount off the purchase of all sleepwear throughout the event.

The Intimate Affair is sponsored by luxury French lingerie brand Simone Pérèle, in collaboration with the leading lingerie publication, The Lingerie Journal. The event will feature special guest “The Lingerie Goddess,” Margaret Shrum – fine lingerie stylist and personal shopper. Margaret’s mission is to empower women to love their unique beauty from the inside out! In addition, Chambre de Sucre is hosting an Afternoon Tea Party at the in-store event featuring artisanal sugars and custom blended tea, as well as champagne and scones. Chambre de Sucre is a 270-year old business based in Nagoya, Japan, specializing in handcrafted sugars for coffee and tea- no flavors and no additives, only pure sugar, served up most luxuriously!

Gift bags in honour of Mother’s Day will be distributed to the first fifty guests, and all guests can expect a free gift with purchase courtesy of the event’s sponsor, French brand, Simone Pérèle.

The highlight of the Intimate Affair will be the raffle for a Grand Prize basket that is estimated as having a value of over $400. Contributors to the raffle prize include Bra La Mode, Bra Smyth, Simone Pérèle, Chambre de Sucre, Affinitas Intimates, the no-rinse, biodegradable & eco-friendly SOAK WASH, luxury lifestyle brand Naked Princess, Ann Deal of Fashion Forms, and “Bra-lebrity” Jené Luciani. Additional sponsors of the event include The Full Figured Chest and I Fell into A Whale. All guests will receive one entry into the raffle and guests that make a purchase of a bra at the event will receive a second entry into the raffle.

Moira Nelson, founder of Bra La Mode, is a proud member of the non-profit Intimate Apparel Square Club (IASC) and works hard to promote the organization’s work. The IASC raises funds to support a variety of charitable organizations, with pediatric rehabilitation and treatment being the primary beneficiary of its fundraising activities. The IASC’s H.U.G. (Help Us Give) Award is presented to well-respected, high-profile companies, organizations and individuals at the IASC’s annual gala fundraiser in support of pediatric rehabilitation. Ann Deal of Fashion Forms was the 2011 H.U.G. Award recipient. Ann has made a very generous contribution to this bra fit event. A portion of proceeds from this event will be donated to IASC to help support the “Kids.”